The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The Membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet member Janet Joyce!
Janet grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney on TV, and remembers asking my father if they could take a trip to Disneyland and meet "Mr. Disney". Altough they were not able to visit the park and that time, she has since made up for lost time. Janet's first visit was in 1969 and, she has enjoyed taking many trips to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World since. Her husband Tom and she have visited the parks many times not only to attend various conventions, but also for their honeymoon. To say the least, they enjoy being in the parks created by "Mr. Disney".
Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
When we first heard about The Walt Disney Family Museum, we were thrilled that we might be able to visit it. And then when more information came out and that we could join the museum, well that sealed the deal. We signed up as soon as membership became available. To have something in our area that related to Walt Disney and his life, what a great opportunity.
What do you find the most enjoyable about your membership?
It’s hard to pin down the most enjoyable part of the membership. We have enjoyed all the special events like the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, the special talks and presentations by all the various artists and authors. We have also liked being able to share visits to the museum with friends and co-workers – we give them tickets to go and they always come back amazed at everything they have seen. Their comments always seem to start out with “There is so much to see and do with all the interactive exhibits. I didn’t realize there was that much available to learn about Walt Disney, the man, and what he accomplished. We need to go back.”
What do you enjoy most about the Museum?
All the exhibits in the museum. The family pictures and interactive displays, learning about the Ink & Paint department and how everything comes together to produce each frame of the pictures. We are always learning something new.
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
Hearing and seeing everything, inspires me to dig deeper to learn more about the man and to encourage our grandchildren, and me, to reach their full potential. Don’t let failures dissuade you from going after your dream, whatever that might be.
What was your first Disney inspiration or memory?
My first memory of Disney was the TV program. And when Disneyland was being built I wanted my father to move to LA to help build it since he was a carpenter and that would have let me go to the park as well (an ulterior motive). But, of course, he just smiled at me and said he didn’t think we could move to California just for that.